Grace Arianna Sax Strom

Grace Arianna Sax Strom was born on September 28, 1928 in Bridgeport, WA, grew up on an apple orchard in Peshastin, WA, and graduated from Holy Names Academy in Seattle before enrolling in Washington State University. She married Richard Strom who served in the US Marine Corps as a fighter pilot. They had 3 children and eventually moved to Depoe Bay, Oregon, where the now-famous Sea Hag got its start. Following Richard’s tragic death, this single mom became a respected businesswoman and dominated the Oregon Coast hospitality scene with her personality and high standards of excellence. She had what legends are made of: determination, talent, love of people, business savvy and an innate capacity for consistently doing the right thing no matter the cost: Integrity beyond reproach. Her eternal optimism and zest for life were witnessed by all who knew Gracie; characteristics that are rare and will indeed be missed. If you want the whole story, her autobiography is entitled “Amazing Gracie and the Sea Hag” and is available on Amazon. Surrounded by family, our beloved Gracie left for Heaven on Wednesday morning, February 25, in Bend, OR. She is survived by 3 children: Nancy (Jim) Strom-Bruce, Larry (Martha) Strom, and Sally Strom (Lynn), four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by five siblings, who have always been near and dear to her heart: Elaine Sax O’Conner (John), Leo (Pat) Sax, Deral (Linda) Sax, Barb Sax Clark (Frank), Bill Sax, numerous nieces and nephews (she was their Favorite Aunt), and ten thousand or so best friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Agnes Sax, and two husbands, Dick Strom and Stan McDonald. Those of us lucky enough to have known Gracie will miss her effervescent and magnetic personality, her kind and giving nature, boundless energy, twinkling blue eyes, and her infectious laugh. She was an entrepreneur at heart, having started and operated several successful businesses in Depoe Bay and Newport, including Gracie’s Sea Hag, Gracie’s Landing, Gracie’s at Smuggler’s Cove, and a fish market in Lincoln Beach, OR. She became a philanthropist in her later years, supporting the arts, symphony, and was instrumental in establishing a dialysis center in Newport. She was truly Amazing Gracie. There will be Celebration of Life in Newport (Otter Rock) at the Inn at Otter Crest on March 28 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. An Amazing Gracie Scholarship Fund for Business has been established the Oregon Coast Community College. Please visit http://www.oregoncoastcc.org/charitable-giving to donate. As Gracie often said, “Pull up the ladder Jack…I’m aboard!”